After a death in Florida

Which court handles probate

The circuit court in the county where the person lived handles probate; the county clerk of the circuit court takes filings.

"proceedings relating to the settlement of the estates of decedents and minors"

Read the source.

What to do with the original will

Whoever has custody of a will must deposit it with the clerk of the court with venue over the estate within 10 days after learning the person has died. A court can compel a custodian who does not.

"within 10 days after receiving information that the testator is dead."

Fla. Stat. § 732.901(1). Read the source.

Opening a safe deposit box

Before anyone is appointed, a bank must let the person named in a court order, or the spouse, a parent, an adult descendant, or a personal representative named in a purported will, open the deceased lessee's box to look for a will, a deed to a burial plot, or burial instructions. The requester shows proof of death and either a court order or a copy of the purported will. Only those items are removed.

"Any writing purporting to be a will of the decedent"

Fla. Stat. § 655.935. Read the source.

Florida Department of Financial Services

"There is never a fee to search for or claim your cash."

Search Florida

Instructions for heirs and estates

Source, checked 2026-10-15.

Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics

First copy $5.00, more copies in the same order $4.00 each. Any adult can order a certified copy without cause of death. Recent cause-of-death copies require listed family, documented interest, representation or court authority.

Order from the state. Online vendors add fees.